Crown Media 10-Q 1 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 28, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CROWN MEDIA HOLDINGS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001103837	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	359,675,936
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$40,965	$43,705
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $245 and $1,037, respectively	76,927	92,062
Programming rights	74,544	85,946
Prepaid programming rights	34,633	13,820
Deferred tax assets, net	34,200	34,200
Prepaid and other assets	2,428	2,326
Total current assets	263,697	272,059
Programming rights	196,459	174,971
Prepaid programming rights	9,704	13,748
Property and equipment, net	10,158	10,455
Deferred tax assets, net	202,420	225,149
Debt issuance costs, net	10,438	10,421
Prepaid and other assets	3,688	3,826
Goodwill	314,033	314,033
Total assets	1,010,597	1,024,662
LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	19,118	25,801
Audience deficiency reserve liability	6,804	5,679
Programming rights payable	88,105	112,503
Payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates	913	1,239
Interest payable	6,580	14,468
Current maturities of long-term debt	'	19,600
Total current liabilities	121,520	179,290
Accrued liabilities	14,592	15,852
Programming rights payable	47,763	30,121
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	454,243	468,040
Total liabilities	638,118	693,303
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 359,675,936 shares issued and outstanding as of both December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013	3,597	3,597
Paid-in capital	2,062,818	2,062,751
Accumulated deficit	-1,693,936	-1,734,989
Total stockholders' equity	372,479	331,359
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,010,597	$1,024,662

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$1,037	$245
Class A common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Class A common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Class A common stock, shares issued	359,675,936	359,675,936
Class A common stock, shares outstanding	359,675,936	359,675,936

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue:	'	'	'	'
Advertising	$63,577	$57,739	$195,413	$186,207
Advertising by Hallmark Cards	'	'	2,112	1,911
Subscriber fees	20,527	19,294	61,273	58,952
Other revenue (including $0 and $161 from Hallmark Cards for three and nine months ended September 30, 2012)	273	22	614	499
Total revenue, net	84,377	77,055	259,412	247,569
Programming costs	'	'	'	'
Non-affiliates	33,133	29,066	95,393	96,322
Hallmark Cards affiliates	688	651	2,449	2,068
Other costs of services	4,244	3,302	11,416	10,039
Total cost of services	38,065	33,019	109,258	108,429
Selling, general and administrative expense (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)	15,193	13,718	45,331	42,342
Marketing expense	3,993	430	5,686	1,669
Depreciation and amortization expense	525	373	1,369	1,069
Income from operations before interest and income tax expense	26,601	29,515	97,768	94,060
Interest expense	-10,486	-11,451	-32,284	-34,655
Income from operations before income tax expense	16,115	18,064	65,484	59,405
Income tax expense	-6,111	-6,566	-24,431	-22,164
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$10,004	$11,498	$41,053	$37,241
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)	359,676	359,676	359,676	359,676
Net income per common share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.03	$0.11	$0.10

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS	'	'
Other revenue from Hallmark Cards	$0	$161

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$41,053	$37,241
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Loss on the disposal of property and equipment	2	'
Depreciation and amortization	102,209	95,621
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts	794	56
Income tax expense	23,145	22,164
Stock-based compensation	210	198
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Decrease in accounts receivable	14,340	14,056
Additions to programming rights	-107,927	-69,525
Increase in prepaid and other assets	-17,587	-32,184
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities	-6,616	-1,585
Decrease in interest payable	-7,889	-10,644
Decrease in programming rights payable	-5,390	-23,287
Decrease in payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates	-1,972	-11,926
Net cash provided by operating activities	34,372	20,185
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-1,405	-981
Disposal of property and equipment	3	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,402	-981
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments on the Term Loan	-33,210	-19,075
Capitalized debt issuance costs	-1,116	'
Discount on issuance of debt	-430	'
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-954	-874
Net cash used in financing activities	-35,710	-19,949
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-2,740	-745
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	43,705	35,181
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	40,965	34,436
Supplemental disclosure of cash and non-cash activities:	'	'
Interest paid	38,582	43,794
Reduction of additional paid-in capital for tax transactions	'	17,996
Assets acquired through capital lease obligation	'	$23

Business_and_Organization

Business and Organization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business and Organization	'
Business and Organization	'
	1. Business and Organization
	Crown Media Holdings, Inc. (“Crown Media Holdings” or the “Company”), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Crown Media United States, LLC (“Crown Media United States”), owns and operates pay television networks dedicated to high quality entertainment programming for adults and families, in the United States. Significant investors in the Company are H C Crown, LLC (“HCC”), a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Incorporated (“Hallmark Cards”) and Hallmark Cards GmbH, a German subsidiary of Hallmark Cards.
	The Company’s operations are currently organized into one operating segment, the Networks.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates	'
	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
	Interim Financial Statements
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and related unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Basis of Presentation
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Crown Media Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires the consideration of events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. Depending on the nature of the subsequent event, financial statement recognition or disclosure of the subsequent event may be required.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Such estimates include the collectibility of accounts receivable, the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, the net realizable value of programming rights, legal contingencies, indemnifications, barter transactions, audience deficiency reserve obligations and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes and the related valuation allowance, among others.
	All of the estimates that are employed are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes, if any, in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon the Company’s assessment of probable loss related to uncollectible accounts receivable.  The Company uses a number of factors in determining the allowance, including, among other things, the financial condition of a customer and collection trends. The Company’s bad debt expense was $29,000 and $504,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s bad debt expense was $56,000 and $794,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
	Barter Transactions
	The Company enters into transactions that involve the exchange of its on-air advertising spots, in part, for other products and services, such as programming rights. Programming rights and the related deferred advertising revenue that result from such transactions are recognized at the estimated fair value when the programming is available for telecast. Barter programming rights are amortized in the same manner as non-barter programming rights and advertising revenue is recognized when the on-air advertising spots are delivered. The Company recognized $0 and $224,000 in barter advertising revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The Company recognized $320,000 and $1.4 million in barter advertising revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, provides guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and specifies disclosures about fair value measurements. We determine fair value as an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.
	The Company does not have balance sheet items measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Significant balance sheet items which are subject to non-recurring fair value measurements consist of impairment valuations of goodwill, promotion and placement fees, property and equipment, and owned programming.
	Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share for each period is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share for each period is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares plus potentially dilutive common shares outstanding except whenever any such effect would be antidilutive.  Potentially dilutive common shares consist of incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.  Approximately 0 and 12,000 stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, have been excluded from the determination of diluted net income per share because the individual effect in each instance was antidilutive. No stock options were outstanding or excluded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Concentration of Risk
	Financial instruments, which potentially subject Crown Media Holdings to a concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Generally, Crown Media Holdings does not require collateral to secure receivables. Crown Media Holdings has no significant off-balance sheet financial instruments with risk of accounting losses.
	Five of our distributors individually accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated subscriber revenue and collectively accounted for 87% and 88% of our consolidated subscriber revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  Two of our distributors individually accounted for approximately 15% or more of our consolidated subscribers and collectively accounted for 44% of our subscribers during both the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The loss of one of these distributors could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations.
	Five of our distributors individually accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated subscriber revenue and collectively accounted for 85% and 88% of our consolidated subscriber revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  Two of our distributors individually accounted for approximately 15% or more of our consolidated subscribers and collectively accounted for 44% of our subscribers during both the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The loss of one of these distributors could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations.
	Four and three of our programming content providers individually accounted for more than 10% of our total license fees for programming and collectively accounted for 66% and 71% of the consolidated programming liability as of September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The loss of any one of these programming content providers could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations.
	Taxes on Income
	Income tax expense or benefit comprises (i) amounts estimated to be payable or receivable with respect to the Company’s pre-tax income or loss for the period pursuant to the statutory provisions of the various federal, state and local jurisdictions to which the Company is subject and (ii) the reported changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period.
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities, including related operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	Net deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that management believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event management subsequently determines that the Company would likely be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded with a corresponding reduction in the provision for income taxes.
	Management periodically evaluates the sustainability of tax positions taken.  Whenever management estimates the probability of sustaining a tax position is at least more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50%), the tax position is deemed warranted and is recognized at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.  Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as income tax expense.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	No new accounting pronouncement issued or becoming effective during the most recent fiscal year had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the financial statements.

Programming_Rights

Programming Rights	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Programming Rights	'
Programming Rights	'
	3. Programming Rights
	Programming rights are comprised of the following:
		As of December 31,			As of September 30,
		2012			2013
		(In thousands)
	Programming rights — non-affiliates
	Acquired programming
	Licensed for less than 12 years	$	294,272		$	286,769
	Original programming
	Licensed for less than 12 years	169,176			172,017
	Licensed for 12 years or longer	4,440			20,352
	Owned	5,772			14,902
	Programming rights— Hallmark Cards affiliates
	Licensed for less than 12 years	22,549			25,054
	Programming rights, at cost	496,209			519,094
	Accumulated amortization	(235,292		)	(248,091		)
	Programming rights, net	$	260,917		$	271,003
	In the regular course of evaluating the remaining usefulness of its various program rights, the Company may determine that certain rights may be of little future program value to it.  In such instances, the Company shortens the estimated remaining life of the asset to zero, thereby accelerating amortization of the remaining net book value.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, such changes in estimates resulted in additional amortization of programming rights of $769,000 and $2.1 million, respectively. Additionally, the Company evaluated the remaining usefulness of its owned programming asset and recognized $1.3 million of impairment expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. This impairment is included as a component of non-affiliate programming costs in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, such changes in estimates resulted in additional amortization of programming rights of $16,000 and $2.1 million, respectively.
	At December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2013, $27.6 million and $44.3 million, respectively, of programming rights were included in prepaid programming rights on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The various license periods associated with such amounts had not commenced as of the respective balance sheet dates.
	Programming rights payable are comprised of the following:
		As of December 31,			As of September 30,
		2012			2013
		(In thousands)
	Programming rights payable — non-affiliates
	Acquired programming	$	102,367		$	105,040
	Original programming	25,085			15,249
	Programming rights payable — Hallmark Cards affiliates	15,172			15,579
	Total programming rights payable	142,624			135,868
	Less current maturities	(112,503		)	(88,105		)
	Long-term programming rights payable	$	30,121		$	47,763
	Under certain license agreements with Sonar Entertainment, Inc. (“Sonar”), the Company is obligated to pay $5.3 million through December 1, 2013.  In connection with its reorganization in bankruptcy, Sonar assigned its right to receive these license payments to Hallmark Cards.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company reclassified $748,000 from programming rights payable (to non-affiliates) to payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates. During the same period the Company remitted payment of $1.3 million to Hallmark Cards.  At December 31, 2012, the amount payable to Hallmark Cards affiliates included $620,000 related to this assignment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company reclassified $1.4 million from programming rights payable (to non-affiliates) to payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates. During the same period the Company remitted payment of $1.9 million to Hallmark Cards.  At September 30, 2013, the amount payable to Hallmark Cards affiliates includes $130,000 related to this assignment. Obligations relating to license periods that had not commenced as of December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, were $2.0 million and $559,000, respectively; accordingly, such amounts are not reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_Te

Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes	'
Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes	'
	4. Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes
	Credit Facilities and Term Loan
	On March 29, 2013, the Company and the lender syndicate amended the Company’s credit agreement dated July 14, 2011. Among other things, the amendment served to (i) significantly reduce the nominal interest rates applicable to principal owed by the Company and (ii) extend the maturity of the $30.0 million revolving credit facility.
	The amendment also served to modify the lender syndicate supporting the Term Loan.  For financial reporting purposes, the Company treated the transaction as a modification, as the present value of the cash flows did not substantially change.
	The Company incurred costs of approximately $1.8 million in connection with the amendment, of which (i) $430,000, representing a 0.25% discount paid to all members of the lender syndicate, and (ii) $1.1 million of debt issuance costs paid to creditors have been capitalized with respect to the Term Loan and will be amortized along with previously unamortized amounts related to syndicate members.  Third-party debt issuance costs of $260,000 were expensed and are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	The amendment reduced the Company’s minimum rate on LIBOR borrowings under the Term Loan from 5.75% to 4.00% (the latter comprising a LIBOR floor of 1.00% plus an applicable rate of 3.00%).  The LIBOR floor was reduced by 25 basis points and the applicable rate was reduced by 150 basis points.  The July 14, 2018 maturity date for the Term Loan remains unchanged.
	Prior to March 29, 2013, the Company made principal payments of $525,000 at each quarter’s end. Under the amended Term Loan, the Company made quarterly principal payments of $430,000 through September 2013. Subsequent to that date, the Company is no longer required to make these principal payments due to its voluntary payment. The Company continues to be subject to requirements to remit additional principal payments in amounts equal to (1) 50% of excess cash flow (as defined in the amended credit agreement) as determined annually, which percentage will be reduced to 25% if the consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the amended credit agreement) is equal to or less than 4.25 to 1 but greater than 3.25 to 1, and 0% if the consolidated leverage ratio is equal to or less than 3.25 to 1, respectively; (2) 100% of net cash proceeds resulting from dispositions or casualty events if such proceeds have not been reinvested within one year after the occurrence of the disposition or casualty event; and (3) 100% of net cash proceeds from issuance of debt or preferred stock not otherwise permitted by the amended credit agreement.
	Under the amended revolving credit facility, the maturity date was extended from July 14, 2016, to January 14, 2018. The interest rate applicable to future borrowings, if any, was also reduced from 3.5% to 2.75%. At December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the amended revolving credit facility.
	The covenants in the amended credit agreement continue to limit the ability of Crown Media Holdings and certain of its subsidiaries to (1) incur indebtedness; (2) create or permit liens on assets; (3) make certain dividends, stock repurchases and redemptions and other restricted payments; (4) make certain investments; (5) prepay indebtedness; (6) enter into certain transactions with Crown Media Holdings’ affiliates; (7) dispose of substantially all of the assets of Crown Media Holdings; (8) merge or consolidate; (9) enter into new unrelated lines of businesses; and (10) enter into sale and leaseback transactions. The amended credit agreement also requires compliance with a maximum total leverage ratio test and a maximum total secured leverage ratio test, but permits, with certain limitations, certain equity contributions to be made to Crown Media Holdings to enhance its ability to comply with such ratio tests.
	The amended credit agreement contains a number of affirmative and negative covenants.  The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2013.
	At December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2013, the outstanding balance under the Term Loan, net of unamortized discount, was $187.6 million and $154.2 million, respectively. The Company made principal payments of $525,000 and $15.4 million under the Term Loan during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The Company made principal payments of $19.1 million and $33.2 million under the Term Loan during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
	Interest expense under the Term Loan was $3.0 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The effective interest rate was approximately 6.3% and 4.87% during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The weighted average nominal interest rate was approximately 5.75% and 4.00% during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
	Interest expense under the Term Loan was $9.2 million and $6.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The effective interest rate was approximately 6.3% and 5.39% during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The weighted average nominal interest rate was approximately 5.75% and 4.69% during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
	Interest expense under the revolving credit facility for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, was $0. One letter of credit was outstanding in the amount of $202,000 at both December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2013. Commitment fees on the revolving credit facility are payable on the unused revolving credit commitment at the rate of 0.50% per annum, payable quarterly. Commitment fee expense for each of the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 was $38,000, respectively. Commitment fee expense for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 was $114,000 and $113,000, respectively.
	The Notes
	On July 14, 2011, the Company issued the Notes in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).  The Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by each of Crown Media Holdings’ subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”).
	Commencing January 15, 2012, interest on the Notes became payable each January 15th and July 15th.  The Company is not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.
	The covenants in the related indenture (the “Indenture”) limit the ability of the Company to, among other things (1) incur additional debt; (2) pay dividends or make other restricted payments; (3) purchase, redeem or retire capital stock or subordinated debt; (4) make asset sales, including by way of sale leaseback transactions; (5) provide subsidiary guarantees; (6) enter into certain transactions with affiliates; (7) incur liens; (8) make investments; and (9) merge or consolidate with any other person.
	During any period in which the Notes have an investment grade rating from both Moody’s and S&P (at least Baa3 by Moody’s and BBB- by S&P), and no default has occurred and is continuing under the Indenture, Crown Media Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries will not be required to comply with the covenants in the Indenture that limit their ability to (1) incur additional debt; (2) pay dividends or make other restricted payments; (3) purchase, redeem or retire capital stock or subordinated debt; (4) make asset sales; (5) provide subsidiary guarantees; and (6) enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2013.
	Interest expense under the Notes was $8.0 million and $8.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. After giving effect to the amortization of associated debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate of the Notes was approximately 11.0% during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013.
	Interest expense under the Notes was $24.1 million and $24.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. After giving effect to the amortization of associated debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate of the Notes was approximately 11.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013.
	Maturities
	The aggregate maturities of long-term debt including estimated future interest for each of the five years subsequent to September 30, 2013, and the period thereafter, are as follows:
		Payments Due by Period
		Total		Year 1		Year 2		Year 3		Year 4		Year 5		Thereafter
		(In thousands)
	Notes, due July 15, 2019	$	489,000	$	31,500	$	31,500	$	31,500	$	31,500	$	31,500	$	331,500
	Term Loan, due July 14, 2018	186,465		6,332		6,332		6,350		6,332		161,119		—
		$	675,465	$	37,832	$	37,832	$	37,850	$	37,832	$	192,619	$	331,500
	Guarantees
	Because Crown Media Holdings has no independent assets or operations, the guarantees by the subsidiary guarantors are full and unconditional, joint and several, and there are no subsidiaries of Crown Media Holdings that are not subsidiary guarantors.  With certain exceptions described above, the Indenture and the Amended Credit Agreement impose restrictions on the payment of dividends by Crown Media Holdings and the subsidiary guarantors.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	5. Related Party Transactions
	Tax Sharing Agreements
	Under a federal tax sharing agreement dated March 11, 2003, the Company was included in Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group.  On October 31, 2012, the percentage of the Company’s common stock collectively owned by members of Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group decreased to less than 80%, the minimum threshold required for inclusion in a consolidated federal income tax return.  Therefore, effective November 1, 2012, the Company became a separate-company taxpayer for federal income tax reporting purposes and is no longer included in the Hallmark Card’s federal consolidated tax return.
	For each of the periods in which the Company was a member of Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group, the Company either (i) received from Hallmark Cards the incremental tax benefit related to the loss it contributed to the consolidated return or (ii) paid Hallmark Cards the incremental tax associated with the taxable income it contributed to the consolidated return.  Payments received from Hallmark Cards or credited against amounts owed by the Company to any other member of Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group have been recorded as additions to paid-in capital. Amounts owed or payments made to Hallmark Cards or to any member of Hallmark Cards’ consolidated group in excess of current tax expense have been recorded as reductions of paid-in capital.
	The amount owed and reimbursed to Hallmark Cards pursuant to the federal tax sharing agreement in connection with the Company’s taxable income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $6.9 million, which was reimbursed in October 2012. The Company reimbursed Hallmark Cards $17.8 million under the federal tax sharing agreement for 2012, net of a prior year overpayment of $1.0 million, through October 2012. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, Hallmark Cards reimbursed the Company $67,000 for an overpayment under the federal tax sharing agreement for 2012.
	The IRS is currently auditing the Hallmark consolidated federal tax returns for 2010-2011.  It is possible that the result of that audit could be an increase to taxable income attributable to the Company resulting in a payment under the tax sharing agreement with Hallmark Cards.
	Since May 9, 2000, the Company has been included in certain combined state income tax returns of Hallmark Cards or Hallmark Entertainment Holdings (“HEH”). In connection therewith, HEH and the Company entered into a state tax sharing agreement. Under the state tax sharing agreement, Hallmark Cards (as successor to HEH) and the Company file consolidated, combined or unitary state tax returns in some states.  The Company makes tax-sharing payments to (or receives payments from) Hallmark Cards equal to the taxes (or tax refunds) that the Company would pay (or receive) if it filed on a stand-alone basis. Such payments are computed based on the Company’s taxable income (loss) and other tax items beginning the day following the May 9, 2000 reorganization.
	Notwithstanding that the Company is no longer a member of the Hallmark federal tax group, the Company will continue to be included in Hallmark Cards’ consolidated or combined returns for certain states.  During 2012, the Company reimbursed Hallmark Cards approximately $495,000 with respect to the state tax sharing agreement for the 2011 tax year.  For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company owed Hallmark Cards approximately $264,000 with respect to the state tax sharing agreement, which was paid during October 2013.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, it is estimated that the Company will owe Hallmark Cards approximately $310,000 with respect to the state tax sharing agreement, which is payable two days prior to the due date of the state tax returns.
	Services Agreement with Hallmark Cards
	Hallmark Cards provides Crown Media Holdings with tax, risk management, health safety, environmental, insurance, legal, treasury, human resources, cash management, real estate consulting services and other services as requested by the Company.  In exchange, the Company is obligated to pay Hallmark Cards a fee, plus out-of-pocket expenses and third party fees, in arrears on the last business day of each quarter. Fees for Hallmark Cards’ services were $457,000 for 2012 and are expected to be approximately $347,000 for 2013.
	At December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, the Company’s payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were $1.2 million and $913,000, respectively. The December 31, 2012, balance was comprised of $188,000 of invoices paid on the Company’s behalf, $431,000 of taxes and $620,000 of assigned license payments. The September 30, 2013 balance was comprised of $778,000 of taxes, $130,000 of assigned license payments and $5,000 of invoices paid on the Company’s behalf.
	“Hallmark Hall of Fame” Programming License Agreement
	In 2008, Crown Media United States entered into an agreement with Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC for the exclusive television license of 58 “Hallmark Hall of Fame” movies, consisting of 16 contemporary Hallmark Hall of Fame titles (i.e., produced from 2003 to 2008) and 42 older titles, for exhibition on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel.  These titles are licensed for ten year windows, which commenced at various times between 2007 and 2010.  The total license fee for these movies is $17.2 million and is payable in equal monthly installments over the various ten-year exhibition windows.
	In 2011, Crown Media United States entered into an additional agreement with Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC for the exclusive television license of 16 “Hallmark Hall of Fame” movies produced from 2009 through 2014, for exhibition on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel.  These titles are licensed for ten-year windows, with windows commencing at various times between 2011 and 2014, depending on availability.  The total license fee for these movies is $10.0 million and is payable in equal monthly installments over the various ten-year exhibition windows.
	On July 6, 2011, the Company and Hallmark Cards entered into an agreement whereby Hallmark Cards provided the Company one-week, limited play licenses for each of six new “Hallmark Hall of Fame” two-hour movies produced by Hallmark Cards over the two-year contract term.  In addition to providing the program licenses, Hallmark Cards has paid the Company $3.4 million of cash ratably as the individual licenses open, all in exchange for approximately two-thirds of the advertising units otherwise available during each airing of the movies.  The Company has estimated the fair value of the program licenses to be approximately $1.0 million.  The Company recognized total advertising revenue of approximately $4.4 million as it fulfilled its advertising obligation to Hallmark Cards. As of September 30, 2013, all of such movies have aired on Hallmark Channel.
	Trademark Agreement with Hallmark Cards
	Crown Media United States has a trademark license agreement with Hallmark Licensing, LLC, an affiliate of Hallmark Cards, for use of the “Hallmark” mark for use on Hallmark Channel and for Hallmark Movie Channel.  In connection with the 2011 Refinancing, Hallmark Licensing, LLC extended these existing trademark licenses for an additional period terminating the earlier of (i) July 14, 2019 and (ii) the later of (x) the expiration or termination of the Amended Credit Agreement and (y) the redemption of all of the Notes, subject to any earlier termination of such license agreements pursuant to the respective terms of such license agreements.
	The Company is not required to pay any royalty fees under the trademark license agreements. Accordingly, no amounts have been reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets or unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for these licenses.
	Under the trademark license agreement, the Company would be in default if the Company (i) fails to make any payment due under any loan agreement within five days of its due date or (ii) receives an opinion from our auditors that expresses their doubt with respect to our ability to continue as a going concern.

Restricted_Stock_Units_and_Lon

Restricted Stock Units and Long Term Incentive Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock Units and Long Term Incentive Plan	'
Restricted Stock Units and Long Term Incentive Plan	'
	6. Restricted Stock Units and Long Term Incentive Plan
	Restricted Stock Units
	The Company recorded $43,000 and $86,000 of compensation expense associated with restricted stock units (“RSUs”) during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively, which has been included in selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded $198,000 and $210,000 of compensation expense associated with restricted stock units during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively, which have been included in selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	The closing price of a share of the Company’s Common Stock, which is used to calculate the period end RSU liability, was $1.85 and $3.08 on December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, there was unrecognized compensation cost, related to non-vested RSUs granted to the Company’s directors, in the amount of $99,000 and $48,000, respectively, using the aforementioned stock prices. Actual compensation costs recognized in future periods may vary based upon fluctuations in stock price and forfeitures.
	The Company issued cash settlements related to the RSUs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, of $231,000 and $257,000, respectively.
	Long Term Incentive Plan
	In the first quarter of 2010, the Company entered into Long Term Incentive Compensation Agreements (“LTI Agreements”) granting incentive compensation ranging from $25,000 to $536,000 per employee.  The 50% Employment Awards vested and were settled in cash on August 31, 2012, in the aggregate amount of $1.2 million.  A portion of the Performance Awards vested on December 31, 2012, and were settled during the first quarter of 2013 in the aggregate amount of $640,000; the remainder did not vest.
	In the second quarter of 2011, the Company entered into LTI Agreements granting incentive compensation ranging from $23,000 to $550,000 per employee. The 50% Employment Awards vested on August 31, 2013, and were settled in cash on September 6, 2013, in the aggregate amount of $1.5 million. Each of the 50% Performance Awards will vest on December 31, 2013, subject to the Company’s achievement of financial performance criteria, and will be settled in cash by the later of January 30, 2014, or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2013, but no later than March 15, 2014. Each award is also subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in each LTI Agreement.
	In the first quarter of 2012, the Company entered into LTI Agreements granting incentive compensation ranging from $22,000 to $652,000 per employee.  Each of the 50% Employment Awards will vest on August 31, 2014, subject to continued employment, and will be settled in cash by September 30, 2014.  Each of the 50% Performance Awards will vest on December 31, 2014, subject to the Company’s achievement of financial performance criteria, and will be settled in cash by the later of January 30, 2015, or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2014, but no later than March 15, 2015. Each award is also subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in each LTI Agreement.
	In the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into LTI Agreements granting incentive compensation ranging from $20,000 to $680,000 per employee.  Each of the 40% Employment Awards, subject to continued employment, and each of the 60% Performance Awards, subject to the Company’s achievement of financial performance criteria, will vest on December 31, 2015, and be settled in cash the later of January 30, 2016, or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2015, but no later than March 15, 2016. Each award is also subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in each LTI Agreement.
	During the third quarter of 2012, the Company entered into LTI Agreements granting $20,000 incentive compensation to each independent director, subject to continued membership on the board. The related financial performance criteria for 2012 were achieved. On December 31, 2012, the performance criteria were achieved and on August 16, 2013, the awards vested. On August 23, 2013, the awards were settled in cash in the aggregate amount of $132,000.
	Additionally, in August 2012, the Company entered into LTI Agreements granting $50,000 incentive compensation to each independent director, subject to continued membership on the board through December 31, 2014, the vesting date, and achievement of the financial performance criteria. Each of the awards will be settled in cash by the later of January 30, 2015, or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2014, but no later than March 15, 2015.
	In March 2013, the Company entered into LTI agreements granting $50,000 incentive compensation to each independent director, subject to continued membership on the board through December 31, 2015, the vesting date, and achievement of the financial performance criteria. Each award will be settled in cash by the later of January 30, 2016, or 15 days after the Company issues its audited financials for 2015, but no later than March 15, 2016.  Each award is also subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in each LTI Agreement.
	During the third quarter of 2013, the Company entered into LTI Agreements granting $35,000 incentive compensation to each independent director, subject to continued membership on the board through August 15, 2014, the vesting date, and achievement of the financial performance criteria. As each independent director must continue to perform service through August 15, 2014, the vesting date, the Company has recognized, and will continue to recognize, expense over the service period. Each award is also subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in each LTI Agreement.
	Vesting of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 LTI Performance Awards will be determined in accordance with the Company performance criteria concerning adjusted EBITDA and cash flow. Each award is subject to earlier pro rata settlement as provided in the related LTI Agreement.
	In recognition of these LTI Agreements, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations include $812,000 and $965,000 in selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Likewise, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations include $2.1 million and $2.7 million in selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Related liabilities of $3.6 million and $4.1 million at December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2013, respectively, are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value	'
Fair Value	'
	7. Fair Value
	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013.
		December 31, 2012				September 30, 2013
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
		(In thousands)
	Term Loan and interest payable (Level 3)	$	187,670	$	188,046	$	154,260	$	150,767
	Notes and interest payable (Level 2)	314,438		352,368		306,563		341,848
	ASC Topic 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value of a liability as the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company estimated the fair value of the Notes using the trading prices obtained from Bloomberg on December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2013, a Level 2 input, due to the limited amount of trading activity. The Company estimated the fair value of its Term Loan using a yield-to-maturity rate obtained from a pricing service, a Level 3 input.
	At December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, the fair values of the Level 3 financial instruments were $188.0 million and $150.8 million, respectively. No transfers between levels occurred during 2012 and 2013.
	Carrying amounts for accounts payable and accrued liabilities and accounts receivable are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Interest rates on borrowings under the bank credit facility are for relatively short periods and variable. Therefore, the fair value of this debt is not significantly affected by fluctuations in interest rates.  The credit spread on the debt is fixed, but the market rate will fluctuate. Only a significant change in the creditworthiness of the Company would impact the credit spread. Since issuance, the credit spread on the Company’s Notes has decreased.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	8. Commitments and Contingencies
	In the normal course of business, the Company has entered into agreements that commit it to make cash payments in future periods with respect to non-cancelable leases and programming contracts.
	Legal Proceedings
	From time to time, the Company and/or various officers and directors may be named as defendants in legal actions involving various claims incident to the conduct of its business.  Whenever the Company concludes that an adverse outcome in any such action is probable and a loss amount can reasonably be estimated, the Company records such loss amount.  Related legal costs, net of anticipated insurance reimbursements, are expensed as incurred.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	9.  Income Taxes
	As a result of the Federal Tax Deconsolidation, the Company’s taxable income for the tax period from January 1, 2012, through October 31, 2012, was included in the federal income tax return of Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group.  The Company has filed a separate federal tax return for the short tax period from November 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012, and will do so for each of the calendar years thereafter.
	Notwithstanding the periods during which the Company was a member of Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group, the Company has continuously accounted for income taxes as if it were a separate-company taxpayer.  For financial reporting purposes, deferred tax benefits recognized in connection with losses incurred while the Company was included in the Hallmark consolidated return were offset, in whole or in part, by a valuation allowance.  However, subsequent to its exit from Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group, the Company will file federal tax returns on separate company basis. As a result, that portion of the Company’s net operating losses that had previously been utilized by Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group, is not available to the Company as a separate-company taxpayer. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 2012, deferred tax assets, specifically the component related to net operating losses and the related valuation allowance, were each reduced by $229.7 million.
	As of December 31, 2012, management determined that it was more likely than not that the Company will realize an additional portion of the benefit of its deferred tax assets.  Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company released an additional $54.2 million of the previously established valuation allowance.
	During 2012, the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) expense recognized was $268,000. In March 2013, $270,000 was paid related to this amount. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, AMT expense recognized was $453,000 and in April 2013, $475,000 was paid. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, AMT expense of $540,000 was recognized, and in June 2013, $550,000 was paid. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, AMT expense of $336,000 was recognized, and in September 2013, $525,000 was paid. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, AMT expense of $1.3 million was recognized and $1.6 million was paid relating to 2013.
	Since the Company is no longer included in the Hallmark Cards’ federal tax group, there is no longer a limitation on the use of net operating losses (“NOLs”) incurred prior to being included in the Hallmark Cards’ federal tax group.  Accordingly, the Company has a deferred tax asset of $237.5 million related to the cumulative separate return limitation year (“SRLY”) NOLs as of December 31, 2012.  In September 2012, the Company obtained a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service in support of its position that as a result of the Federal Tax Deconsolidation, it will no longer be part of Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group and the restrictions on its ability to utilize the NOLs will no longer apply.
	As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a federal NOL carry forward of $678.6 million and various state NOL carry forwards.  The determination of the state NOL carry forwards depends on apportionment percentages and state laws that can change from year to year and impact the amount of such carry forwards.  If not utilized, the federal NOLs will expire between 2018 and 2021, and the state NOLs will expire between 2013 and 2032.
	At both December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $0. The Company recognized no increase or decrease in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions.  Accordingly, at both December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, there is no accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions.
	By virtue of its previous inclusion in Hallmark Cards’ consolidated federal tax group, the Company is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for periods subsequent to March 10, 2003. Further, NOL carryforwards are subject to examination in the year they are utilized regardless of whether the tax year in which they were generated has been closed by statute.  The amount subject to disallowance is limited to the NOL utilized.  Accordingly, the Company is subject to examination for NOL’s generated prior to March 11, 2003 as those NOLs are utilized in future tax returns.
	In 2012, the Company had separate company nexus in New York and Georgia and will be included in the combined state tax returns of the Hallmark Cards group for California, Colorado and Illinois. State NOLs are also subject to examination in the year in which they are utilized regardless of whether the tax year in which they were generated has been closed by statute.  In recent years, changes enacted by various states have served to defer the effectiveness of the Company’s NOL carryforwards.  Colorado has suspended NOLs in excess of $250,000 for tax years 2011 through 2013 and Illinois has suspended the use of NOLs for tax years 2011 and for NOLs in excess of $100,000 for 2012 and 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates	'
Interim Financial Statements	'
	Interim Financial Statements
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and related unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Crown Media Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires the consideration of events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. Depending on the nature of the subsequent event, financial statement recognition or disclosure of the subsequent event may be required.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Such estimates include the collectibility of accounts receivable, the valuation of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, the net realizable value of programming rights, legal contingencies, indemnifications, barter transactions, audience deficiency reserve obligations and assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes and the related valuation allowance, among others.
	All of the estimates that are employed are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Illiquid credit markets, volatile equity markets, and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes, if any, in those estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon the Company’s assessment of probable loss related to uncollectible accounts receivable.  The Company uses a number of factors in determining the allowance, including, among other things, the financial condition of a customer and collection trends. The Company’s bad debt expense was $29,000 and $504,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s bad debt expense was $56,000 and $794,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Barter Transactions	'
	Barter Transactions
	The Company enters into transactions that involve the exchange of its on-air advertising spots, in part, for other products and services, such as programming rights. Programming rights and the related deferred advertising revenue that result from such transactions are recognized at the estimated fair value when the programming is available for telecast. Barter programming rights are amortized in the same manner as non-barter programming rights and advertising revenue is recognized when the on-air advertising spots are delivered. The Company recognized $0 and $224,000 in barter advertising revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The Company recognized $320,000 and $1.4 million in barter advertising revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, provides guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and specifies disclosures about fair value measurements. We determine fair value as an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.
	The Company does not have balance sheet items measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Significant balance sheet items which are subject to non-recurring fair value measurements consist of impairment valuations of goodwill, promotion and placement fees, property and equipment, and owned programming.
Net Income per Share	'
	Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share for each period is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share for each period is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares plus potentially dilutive common shares outstanding except whenever any such effect would be antidilutive.  Potentially dilutive common shares consist of incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.  Approximately 0 and 12,000 stock options for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, have been excluded from the determination of diluted net income per share because the individual effect in each instance was antidilutive. No stock options were outstanding or excluded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Concentration of Risk	'
	Concentration of Risk
	Financial instruments, which potentially subject Crown Media Holdings to a concentration of credit risk, consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Generally, Crown Media Holdings does not require collateral to secure receivables. Crown Media Holdings has no significant off-balance sheet financial instruments with risk of accounting losses.
	Five of our distributors individually accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated subscriber revenue and collectively accounted for 87% and 88% of our consolidated subscriber revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  Two of our distributors individually accounted for approximately 15% or more of our consolidated subscribers and collectively accounted for 44% of our subscribers during both the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The loss of one of these distributors could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations.
	Five of our distributors individually accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated subscriber revenue and collectively accounted for 85% and 88% of our consolidated subscriber revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  Two of our distributors individually accounted for approximately 15% or more of our consolidated subscribers and collectively accounted for 44% of our subscribers during both the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The loss of one of these distributors could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations.
	Four and three of our programming content providers individually accounted for more than 10% of our total license fees for programming and collectively accounted for 66% and 71% of the consolidated programming liability as of September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The loss of any one of these programming content providers could have an adverse impact on the Company’s operations.
Taxes on Income	'
	Taxes on Income
	Income tax expense or benefit comprises (i) amounts estimated to be payable or receivable with respect to the Company’s pre-tax income or loss for the period pursuant to the statutory provisions of the various federal, state and local jurisdictions to which the Company is subject and (ii) the reported changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period.
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities, including related operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	Net deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that management believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event management subsequently determines that the Company would likely be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded with a corresponding reduction in the provision for income taxes.
	Management periodically evaluates the sustainability of tax positions taken.  Whenever management estimates the probability of sustaining a tax position is at least more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50%), the tax position is deemed warranted and is recognized at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.  Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized as income tax expense.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	No new accounting pronouncement issued or becoming effective during the most recent fiscal year had, or is expected to have, a material impact on the financial statements.

Programming_Rights_Tables

Programming Rights (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Programming Rights	'
Schedule of programming rights	'
		As of December 31,			As of September 30,
		2012			2013
		(In thousands)
	Programming rights — non-affiliates
	Acquired programming
	Licensed for less than 12 years	$	294,272		$	286,769
	Original programming
	Licensed for less than 12 years	169,176			172,017
	Licensed for 12 years or longer	4,440			20,352
	Owned	5,772			14,902
	Programming rights— Hallmark Cards affiliates
	Licensed for less than 12 years	22,549			25,054
	Programming rights, at cost	496,209			519,094
	Accumulated amortization	(235,292		)	(248,091		)
	Programming rights, net	$	260,917		$	271,003
Schedule of programming rights payable	'
		As of December 31,			As of September 30,
		2012			2013
		(In thousands)
	Programming rights payable — non-affiliates
	Acquired programming	$	102,367		$	105,040
	Original programming	25,085			15,249
	Programming rights payable — Hallmark Cards affiliates	15,172			15,579
	Total programming rights payable	142,624			135,868
	Less current maturities	(112,503		)	(88,105		)
	Long-term programming rights payable	$	30,121		$	47,763

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_Te1

Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes	'
Schedule of aggregate maturities of long-term debt including estimated future interest for each of the five years	'
		Payments Due by Period
		Total		Year 1		Year 2		Year 3		Year 4		Year 5		Thereafter
		(In thousands)
	Notes, due July 15, 2019	$	489,000	$	31,500	$	31,500	$	31,500	$	31,500	$	31,500	$	331,500
	Term Loan, due July 14, 2018	186,465		6,332		6,332		6,350		6,332		161,119		—
		$	675,465	$	37,832	$	37,832	$	37,850	$	37,832	$	192,619	$	331,500

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value	'
Schedule of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the company's financial instruments	'
		December 31, 2012				September 30, 2013
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
		(In thousands)
	Term Loan and interest payable (Level 3)	$	187,670	$	188,046	$	154,260	$	150,767
	Notes and interest payable (Level 2)	314,438		352,368		306,563		341,848

Business_and_Organization_Deta

Business and Organization (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	item
Business and Organization	'
Number of operating segments	1

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'	'	'	'
Bad debt expense	$504,000	$29,000	$794,000	$56,000
Barter Transactions	'	'	'	'
Barter advertising revenue	$224,000	$0	$1,400,000	$320,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Details 2) (Stock Options)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Anti dilutive securities excluded from determination of diluted net income or loss per share	'	'	'	'
Anti dilutive securities excluded from determination of diluted net income or loss per share (in shares)	0	0	0	12,000
Stock options outstanding (in shares)	0	'	0	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates (Details 3)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
	item	item	item	item
Subscriber revenue | Distributors concentration	'	'	'	'
Concentration of Risk	'	'	'	'
Concentration of risk (as a percent)	88.00%	87.00%	88.00%	85.00%
Number of major distributors	5	5	5	5
Threshold for concentration of risk (as a percent)	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Hallmark Channel subscribers | Distributors concentration	'	'	'	'
Concentration of Risk	'	'	'	'
Concentration of risk (as a percent)	44.00%	44.00%	44.00%	44.00%
Number of major distributors	2	2	2	2
Threshold for concentration of risk (as a percent)	15.00%	15.00%	15.00%	15.00%
Programming rights | Programming content providers concentration	'	'	'	'
Concentration of Risk	'	'	'	'
Concentration of risk (as a percent)	'	'	71.00%	66.00%
Number of programming content providers	'	'	3	4
Threshold for concentration of risk (as a percent)	'	'	10.00%	10.00%

Programming_Rights_Details

Programming Rights (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Hallmark Cards affiliates

Hallmark Cards affiliates

Hallmark Cards

Hallmark Cards

Non-Affiliates

Non-Affiliates

Non-Affiliates

Non-Affiliates

Sonar

Sonar

Sonar

Sonar

Acquired programming

Acquired programming

Original programming

Original programming

Hallmark Cards affiliates

Hallmark Cards affiliates

Programming Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Licensed for less than 12 years

'

'

'

'

'

$22,549,000

$25,054,000

'

'

$286,769,000

$294,272,000

$172,017,000

$169,176,000

'

'

'

'

Licensed for 12 years or longer

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,352,000

4,440,000

'

'

'

'

Owned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,902,000

5,772,000

'

'

'

'

Programming rights, at cost

519,094,000

'

519,094,000

'

496,209,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated amortization

-248,091,000

'

-248,091,000

'

-235,292,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Programming rights, net

271,003,000

'

271,003,000

'

260,917,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shortened estimated remaining life of programming rights

'

'

'0 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional amortization of programming rights

16,000

769,000

2,100,000

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment expense on owned programming

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Programming rights, included in prepaid programming rights

44,300,000

'

44,300,000

'

27,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Programming rights payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total programming rights payable

135,868,000

'

135,868,000

'

142,624,000

15,172,000

15,579,000

'

'

105,040,000

102,367,000

15,249,000

25,085,000

'

'

130,000

'

Less current maturities

-88,105,000

'

-88,105,000

'

-112,503,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term programming rights payable

47,763,000

'

47,763,000

'

30,121,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecorded license agreement obligation, beginning value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,300,000

'

'

'

Reclassification from programming rights payable (to non-affiliates) to payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

748,000

Payments for license

'

'

'

'

'

620,000

'

1,900,000

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecorded license agreement obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$559,000

$2,000,000

'

'

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_Te2

Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 29, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 29, 2013

Jul. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 29, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Credit agreement

Credit agreement

Senior secured super-priority revolving credit facility

Senior secured super-priority revolving credit facility

Senior secured super-priority revolving credit facility

Senior secured super-priority revolving credit facility

Senior secured super-priority revolving credit facility

Senior secured super-priority revolving credit facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Senior secured term loan facility

Letter of Credit

Letter of Credit

10.5% Senior Notes

10.5% Senior Notes

10.5% Senior Notes

10.5% Senior Notes

10.5% Senior Notes

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Maximum

Consolidated leverage ratio, equal to or less than 4.25 to 1 but greater than 3.25 to 1

Consolidated leverage ratio, equal to or less than 4.25 to 1 but greater than 3.25 to 1

Consolidated leverage ratio, equal to or less than 4.25 to 1 but greater than 3.25 to 1

Consolidated leverage ratio, equal to or less than 3.25 to 1

Consolidated leverage ratio, equal to or less than 3.25 to 1

item

item

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Credit Facilities and Term Loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

$30,000,000

'

$30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Costs incurred in connection with the amendment

'

'

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate at issuance (as a percent)

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount at issuance

'

'

430,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issuance costs capitalized

10,438,000

10,421,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Third-party debt issuance costs

'

'

'

260,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

'

5.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LIBOR floor (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable applicable rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in LIBOR floor rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in applicable rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis of variable interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR Rate

'

'

Quarterly principal payments made

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

430,000

525,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional principal payments required as a percentage of excess cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

25.00%

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.25

3.25

'

3.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional principal payments required as a percentage of net cash proceeds of dispositions or casualty events, if not invested within one year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period of time within which proceeds must be reinvested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional principal payments required as a percentage of net cash proceeds from issuance of debt or Preferred Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate, before amendment (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding borrowings

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding balance under the Term Loan, net of unamortized discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

154,200,000

'

154,200,000

'

187,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal payment on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,400,000

525,000

33,200,000

19,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

3,000,000

6,900,000

9,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,100,000

8,000,000

'

24,200,000

24,100,000

Effective interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.00%

11.00%

'

11.00%

11.00%

Effective interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.87%

6.30%

5.39%

6.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average nominal interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

5.75%

4.69%

5.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of letters of credit outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

1

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of letter of credit outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

202,000

202,000

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fees on unused revolving credit commitment (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fee expense

'

'

'

'

$38,000

$38,000

$113,000

$114,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving_Credit_Facilities_Te3

Revolving Credit Facilities, Term Loan, and the Notes (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	item
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt including future interest for each of the five years	'
Total	$675,465,000
Year 1	37,832,000
Year 2	37,832,000
Year 3	37,850,000
Year 4	37,832,000
Year 5	192,619,000
Thereafter	331,500,000
Guarantees	'
Amount of independent assets	0
Amount of independent operations	0
Number of subsidiaries that are not guarantors	0
Notes, due July 15, 2019	'
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt including future interest for each of the five years	'
Total	489,000,000
Year 1	31,500,000
Year 2	31,500,000
Year 3	31,500,000
Year 4	31,500,000
Year 5	31,500,000
Thereafter	331,500,000
Term Loan, due July 14, 2018	'
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt including future interest for each of the five years	'
Total	186,465,000
Year 1	6,332,000
Year 2	6,332,000
Year 3	6,350,000
Year 4	6,332,000
Year 5	$161,119,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Hallmark Cards

Hallmark Cards

Hallmark Cards

Hallmark Cards

Hallmark Cards

Hallmark Cards

Hallmark Cards

Hallmark Cards

Hallmark Cards affiliates

Hallmark Cards affiliates

Hallmark Cards affiliates

Federal tax sharing agreement

Federal tax sharing agreement

Federal tax sharing agreement

Federal tax sharing agreement

State tax sharing agreement

State tax sharing agreement

Services Agreement

Services Agreement

Federal tax sharing agreement

Related Party Transactions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of common stock owned by related party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

Estimated tax liability payable to Hallmark Cards

'

'

'

'

'

$6,900,000

'

'

'

'

$778,000

$431,000

'

Application of overpayments

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount owed under tax sharing agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

310,000

264,000

'

'

'

'

'

Amount reimbursed

'

'

6,900,000

'

17,800,000

'

'

495,000

'

'

'

'

'

Amount reimbursed by affiliates

'

'

'

67,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period prior to due date of state tax returns when amount will be payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fees for related party services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

347,000

457,000

'

'

'

Payables to Hallmark Cards affiliates

913,000

1,239,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

913,000

1,200,000

'

Amount of invoice payment made on behalf of entity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000

188,000

'

Assigned license payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$130,000

$620,000

'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det1

Related Party Transactions (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2008	Jul. 06, 2011
	Trademark licenses	Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC	Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, LLC	Hallmark Cards
		Exclusive television license	Exclusive television license	item
		item	item
Related Party Transactions	'	'	'	'
Number of movies under agreement	'	16	58	6
Number of movies under contemporary Hallmark Hall of Fame titles	'	'	16	'
Number of movies under older titles	'	'	42	'
Period of license of titles	'	'10 years	'10 years	'
Total license fees payable	'	$10,000,000	$17,200,000	'
Exhibition windows over which the program license fees are payable in equal monthly installments	'	'10 years	'10 years	'
Period of license of titles	'	'	'	'7 days
Term of contract	'	'	'	'2 years
Portion of advertising units to be exchanged	'	'	'	0.67
Program license fees receivable	'	'	'	3,400,000
Estimated fair value of the program license	'	'	'	1,000,000
Advertising revenue to be recognized	'	'	'	4,400,000
Licenses amount reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	0	'	'	'
Licenses amount reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of operations	$0	'	'	'
Period after which entity will be in default for failure to make payment under loan agreement	'5 days	'	'	'

Restricted_Stock_Units_and_Lon1

Restricted Stock Units and Long Term Incentive Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
RSUs	'	'	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expense	$86,000	$43,000	$210,000	$198,000	'
Unrecognized compensation costs	48,000	'	48,000	'	99,000
Cash Settlement Amount	$257,000	$231,000	$257,000	$231,000	'
Common stock	'	'	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'	'
Closing price per share used for RSU liability calculation (in dollars per share)	$3.08	'	$3.08	'	$1.85

Restricted_Stock_Units_and_Lon2

Restricted Stock Units and Long Term Incentive Plan (Details 2) (LTI Agreements, USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Sep. 06, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Aug. 23, 2013

Low end of range

Low end of range

Low end of range

Low end of range

High end of range

High end of range

High end of range

High end of range

Employment Award

Employment Award

Employment Award

Employment Award

Employment Award

Employment Award

Performance Award

Performance Award

Performance Award

Performance Award

Performance Award

Performance Award

Performance Award

Performance Award

Long Term Incentive Plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Target award

'

'

'

'

'

$20,000

$22,000

$23,000

$25,000

$680,000

$652,000

$550,000

$536,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$50,000

'

$35,000

'

$20,000

'

'

'

Additional target award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Portion of award in each grant (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

50.00%

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

Amount settled in cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

1,200,000

640,000

'

'

640,000

'

'

'

132,000

Period after issuance date of audited financials within which award will be settled in cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 days

'

'

'15 days

'15 days

'15 days

'15 days

'

Compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expense

965,000

812,000

2,700,000

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liability related to agreement included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$4,100,000

'

$4,100,000

'

$3,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value	'	'
Transfers between levels	$0	$0
Carrying Amount | Level 3 | Term Loan	'	'
Fair Value	'	'
Long-term debt and interest payable	154,260,000	187,670,000
Carrying Amount | Level 2 | Notes	'	'
Fair Value	'	'
Long-term debt and interest payable	306,563,000	314,438,000
Fair Value | Level 3	'	'
Fair Value	'	'
Long-term debt and interest payable	150,800,000	188,000,000
Fair Value | Level 3 | Term Loan	'	'
Fair Value	'	'
Long-term debt and interest payable	150,767,000	188,046,000
Fair Value | Level 2 | Notes	'	'
Fair Value	'	'
Long-term debt and interest payable	$341,848,000	$352,368,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Decrease in valuation allowance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$229,700,000	'	'
Amount of valuation allowance released	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	54,200,000	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reduction in deferred tax assets related to net operating losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	229,700,000	'	229,700,000
Income tax expense paid for alternative minimum tax	525,000	550,000	475,000	270,000	'	'	'	'	1,600,000	'
Income tax expense recorded for alternative minimum tax	'	'	'	'	336,000	540,000	453,000	'	1,300,000	268,000
State | Colorado	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
NOLs suspended in excess of amount	250,000	'	'	'	250,000	'	'	'	250,000	'
State | Illinois	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
NOLs suspended in excess of amount	$100,000	'	'	'	$100,000	'	'	$100,000	$100,000	$100,000

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating loss carryforwards	'	'
Deferred tax asset	'	$237,500,000
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes	'	'
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions	0	0
Increase or decrease in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions	0	0
Accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions	0	0
Federal	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	'	'
Net operating losses	'	$678,600,000